Like “Occupy Wall Street” counterparts across US and western democracies, Russians emerged from different political and economic quarters to sound the alarm that something is wrong even if they do not necessarily yet share a vision of how to fix it. Yesterday’s demonstrations in Moscow drew the largest crowds in over a decade, and they came apparently from what has been perceived as an anesthetized population. Russia’s commodity driven economy, growing consumerism and a resurgent nationalism had been tough to counter signs of cronyism/corruption and widening income inequality. After the rule of “The Party” it was stereotyped that Russians did not much grasp or embrace the rule of law. Educated Russia (Soviet Union) Does not Equate to Political Activism: Soviet Russia may have been lacking in democracy, fundamental freedoms and certainly a health consumer economy. Education though was not a shortage, even as many of its brightest had emigrated over almost 3 decades. Now though many of those who had left in the past may be ready to stay and fight for their place in the rapidly growing economy. Cronyism or Corruption-Same Thing by Different Label: The term corruption is rather loosely thrown around, and it depends on a legal code and impartial investigation, prosecution and judicial action. What we may term corruption is more likely to be legally sanctioned capitalist cronyism. The law may act to discipline dissent rather than check the power of political and economic authority. Will though the new movement to the streets by Russians become representative of a new political shift? It is not likely that demonstrations will produce a change by themselves. Many Russians though do feel that their votes are being stolen or just taken for granted. This week’s Parliamentary elections were criticized for lack of fairness and transparency, and the ruling United Russia Party did lose a substantial share of its previous majority. A lot of attention was given to the vocal booing of Vladimir Putin at a martial arts event. All of this follows the confirmation that Putin wants his old presidential chair - as if Russia does not have alternatives and the constitution is there to be navigated around. (Read: - "Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss" - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/putin-new-boss-old-photo-song-lyrics-tells-the-story-by-ambassador-mo/35366). Between Xenophobia & Diversity However, none of this means that change is imminent. We do not know if most Russians still think that the economy and resurgence of Russia on the global political/diplomatic scene counters the alleged marginalization of democracy and open society. We should also emphasize in our perspective the ethnic and religious diversity of the Russian Federation - xenophobia is on the upswing but homogeneity is not a possibility. What Will be Putin’s Legacy? Like “Occupy Wall Street,” the dissent in Moscow is still mostly about what they do not like. It remains to be seen if Russia’s dissent can rally around a proactive political movement that can be a serious threat to Putin and his ruling party. Over the next three months as Russia’s presidential elections approach, the engagement of the opposition and the response of the ruling elite may foretell the future trend of Russia’s fragile democracy and open society. Vladimir Putin is young enough to evolve into a despot or perhaps the father of a truly free and democratic Russia. It does say a lot about Russian politics today though that the focus is so much on the will and character of one man rather than a political party or as in the past a Kremlin elite. (Vladimir Putin Statue: - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/photo-tells-the-story-vladimir-putin-statue-ban-ki-moon-by-ambassador-mo/33757 ). By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX War Crimes Justice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice